Daijiworld Media Network – Bagalkote

Bagalkote, Aug 7: In an inspiring gesture that has touched many hearts, Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has come forward to fund the higher education of a tea seller’s daughter from a remote village in Bagalkote district, Karnataka.

Jyoti Kanabooramath, a resident of Rabakavi village in Bilagi taluk, was overjoyed and surprised to learn that her Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) course in a private college in Jamkhandi would be funded by none other than Pant himself.

Despite scoring 83% in her PUC exams, Jyoti’s dreams of pursuing higher education were threatened due to her family’s limited financial means. Her father, Tirthaiah, runs a small tea shop in the village, and the family had no way of affording her college fees.

Determined to study, Jyoti approached local contractor Anil Hunashikatti, who had connections with the college administration through relatives.

“When she approached me, I first thought to seek help from the college authorities to give some fee concession. But I realised that the college authorities can give only a limited concession which may not be of much help to the poor girl,” Hunashikatti told The New Indian Express.
It was then that Hunashikatti decided to take a chance. “One of my classmates is working as Rishabh Pant’s manager. I knew that my friend, in the past, had got financial help for another student from cricketer K L Rahul for his studies. Being Pant’s manager, my friend also knows Rahul. This information encouraged me to seek help from the cricketer through my friend,” he explained.

Hunashikatti forwarded Jyoti’s details to his friend, who conveyed the request to Pant. In a swift and silent act of generosity, Pant’s office collected the college’s account information and directly transferred Rs 40,000 on Jyoti’s behalf.

The move, made without any publicity, has drawn widespread admiration from the public, many praising Pant for his compassion and commitment to education.

“I am eternally grateful to Rishabh Pant for his timely help. It has helped me immensely,” said a grateful Jyoti.

Pant’s thoughtful intervention has not only enabled a deserving student to pursue her studies but has also set an example of social responsibility, proving that a small act of kindness can make a world of difference — especially when it comes from someone in the national spotlight.